When you make the decision to become a blood donor you are giving someone the most precious gift you could give to another – the gift of life.

Blood donors are always needed because there is always a constant need for a regular healthy blood supply. Blood can only be stored for a limited time before it becomes unsafe to use, so donations by healthy people is always required to ensure that ‘safe’ blood is readily available for those that desperately need it! . Donating blood can save a life; or several if your blood is separated into its different parts – platelets, red cells and plasma.

So why should you donate?

Well your donations will help the following:

Women with complications of pregnancy, such as ectopic pregnancies and haemorrhage before, during or after childbirth.

Children with severe anaemia often resulting from malaria or malnutrition;

People with severe trauma following accidents; and

Many surgical and cancer patients.

There are a number of Blood Donation Sessions taking place across Furness during January (all the details of which can be found on our events section)

The Forum in Barrow hold their sessions on the 13th and 14th January. There will be two sessions per day 12.45pm – 2.45pm and 4pm – 6pm.

The Coronation Hall in Ulverston has Blood Donor Sessions on January 15th between 1.45pm – 3.45pm and 5pm – 7.30pm

Chequers Hotel in Dalton hold drop in sessions on 27th January between 2.15pm – 4pm and again at 5pm – 7.15pm

Before donating blood, you will be asked to fill out a confidential donor health check form. This makes sure that your blood is suitable for donation.

Not everyone can donate blood, and the donor health check form ensures that people receiving the blood are not exposed to harmful viruses or infections. It's also to avoid putting you at risk if there's a reason why giving blood might harm you.

For more details about giving blood and whether you are suitable for donation or not, please visit http://www.blood.co.uk/

So this January do something truly amazing – Give blood and save a life!